There's No Crying in Football

Sunday, January 30, 2011

I've been at a loss this football season.

I've got my favorite college team... but I haven't been able to find a pro team to root for.

Our "hometown" team is the Bengals. Otherwise known as the worst team in football. I'd LIKE to root for them... but I just can't. They are terrible. And frankly, I've got enough to deal with that I just can't add supporting a team like that to the list.

I USED to be a Steeler fan. I became a Steeler fan when Big Ben was drafted and went to play there. We are Miami people. J and I both graduated from Miami along with MANY other relatives. My cousin played football at Miami with Ben. I was there for his first collegiate game. And I was a fan... until all that trash came out about him and how he treats women. I gave him the benefit of the doubt the first time. But the second... and the third... and... well, sorry. I'm done. How can wear my #7 jersey? What example would that set for my daughter? Just can't do it...

There's always the Colts. I DO like Peyton Manning. But... eh. I used to like the Bucs since I LOVE Tampa Bay. But I haven't been sold on any of them.

What about the Bears? They have quarterback that has Type 1?!? SOLD!

J said I should re-think that decision because "A lot of people think Cutler is a jerk".

Ugh. So I can't like the Bears, either?

But I kept going back to the Bears. J kept finding articles for me to read about how .... unfriendly Cutler is.

Finally it was playoff time. And look who was there... The Bears!

I'd read about Cutler's "demeanor". But I'd also watched him on D-Life talking to kids with Type 1. I'd read about him doing good in the community. I figured, "He can't be ALL bad." So I became a fan.

They way I look at it... The guy has Type 1. And he's an NFL quarterback! Even if he isn't the nicest guy in the world, I'm impressed by him. And his ability to compete at such a high level with this disease I know all too well.

And then.... He got hurt. BUMMER.

The next day, J told me that people were calling him a wimp, etc.

"You've got be kidding me?!?" I said.

"The man may be many things.... but he is NOT a wimp. NO ONE with Type 1 is a wimp."

And then came along John Madden.....

I know there's no crying in football.... but when I listened to the audio of John Madden on Madden Football defending Cutler.... There were a few tears.

Listen for yourself...

He GOT IT. Madden GOT IT. And he got it RIGHT. He understands Type 1. He's got the facts straight.

Listening to him made me feel.... vindicated. Because although he was talking about a 27 year old NFL quarterback, he was also talking about my 4 year old daughter.

He spoke with such PASSION.... that I KNEW he HAD to be speaking from experience. A quick google search later and I learned that Madden's Grandson, Sam, has Type 1.

Ah, yes... He DOES know. He knows first hand.

So, Thank you Jay Cutler. Thank you for not quitting when Type 1 entered your life. Thank you for battling Type 1 every day while still competing at the highest level of football. Thank you for showing our kids that Type 1 doesn't have to stop you from ANYTHING.

And... Thank you John Madden. Thank you for speaking out. Thank you for educating a entire population that may never have heard anything about Type 1 before. Thank you for reaching people that I can't reach. Thank you for advocating for our kids... and adults with Type 1. Thank you for getting it.

I have though John Madden was a bonehead for years, and I have had to eat all of those words recently. Once this came out, I started digging a little. John Madden really is a Type 1 champion, and that in itself earns my appreciation and respect. I thought this was a cool video as well:

Oh MY GOODNESS....I am so amazed by this man and this interview. I cannot imagine anyone calling this man a wimp...especially seeing a miniscule glimpse of what he goes through in my management of Joe during hockey and baseball and soccer. This man is NO WIMP. I appreciated this interview. Thank you. I am not a football fan, but I may need to start following.

Being Denver natives, we were fans of Cutler before he left the Broncos for the Bears. He wasn't always well liked here either (actually was quite abused when he left) but he did great things for the Barbara Davis Center here in Denver where Ellie goes. She also was a patient at the BDC in the TEDDY study (studying environmental factors in kids at genetically higher risk for developing diabetes) before dx and Cutler would donate signed footballs, etc for auctions for the center. I will always like him no matter what others say about his personality.

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* Disclaimer *

I am not a doctor. I just play one in real life!

I am happy to share with you what works (and what does not) for us as we do battle with Diabetes. However, keep in mind that this is just my opinion and should, in no way, be taken as professional medical advice.

Please contact your doctor or endocrinology team before changing your current treatment.